Even though it makes your pee smell funny, asparagus should headline every health-conscious woman’s grocery list. Asparagus is super high in key vitamins and minerals and low in calories (less than 30 calories per cup), earning it a top spot on the ANDI (aggregate nutrient density index) scale, which measures vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content in relation to calories. Try these five great ways to integrate asparagus into your daily diet and reap all the benefits it has to offer.

As a Soluble Side

A cup of asparagus contains 18 percent of your Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin E, which is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, removing free radicals from the body, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Because vitamin E is fat-soluble, saute your asparagus spears in a little olive oil to help transport that E into your cells, tout suite.

As a (K)ey Salad Ingredient

One cup of asparagus contains 70 per cent of your RDA for vitamin K, which aids in the absorption of calcium. Calcium is important for keeping bones strong and dense, powering muscular contractions and maintaining the health and function of nerves. Use a vegetable peeler to shave raw asparagus into a salad made with high-calcium veggies such as rocket, spinach, edamame, fennel, artichoke, carrots and celery. That way the K and Ca can better meet, meld and do their thing.

As a Double for Dip

With 3 grams of fibre per 1-cup serving, asparagus is a satisfying substitute for avocados in rich dips such as guacamole. And while we adore the heart-healthy fat found in avocados, it’s easy to get carried away and OD on guacamole, possibly blowing your calorie quota for the day. Instead, try our delicious Asparagus Guacamole. Serve with veggie spears or baked whole-grain pita corners for a filling snack that won’t break your diet resolve (or pop your pants buttons).

Puree cooked asparagus in food processor until smooth. Add garlic, yoghurt, lime juice, jalapeno, shallotss, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if using), and puree until blended. Add tomatoes and coriander and pulse until chunky. Season with salt, pepper and chilli flakes, to taste. Refrigerate for an hour, or until chilled.

As a Brain-Boosting Breakfast

Combine fibre-rich asparagus with protein-rich eggs and you have a breakfast that will stick to your ribs while giving your brain a boost: asparagus is super high in folate (just four spears contain 22 per cent of your RDA), which works in conjunction with the vitamin B12 found in eggs to help prevent cognitive impairment and decline, according to a study out of Tufts University. Folate has also been shown to protect against neural tube defects and miscarriage as well as cancers such as breast, colon, stomach, pancreatic and cervical.

Preheat oven to 230 degrees celsius. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk and ¼ cup feta cheese. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add shallots and asparagus and saute until tender, two to three minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook one minute. Add egg mixture and cook until eggs begin to set, about four to six minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and place in oven. Bake for eight to 12 minutes, or until eggs are cooked through.

As a Satiating Soup

Numerous studies endorse eating soup as part of a weight-watching program: soup is low in calories in relation to serving size, and according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, those who eat clear or broth-based soups have a better chance at controlling their weight. The theory is that because soup takes longer to eat, (hey, it’s hot), it gives your brain and digestive tract more time to register satiety signals.

Steam asparagus and set aside to cool 15 minutes in large soup pot. Heat pan on medium-low and add oil and onion, and saute until tender (five minutes). Add garlic and saute one minute. Place asparagus, onion and garlic into large soup pot and use an immersion blender to puree (alternately, puree ingredients in a food processor and add to pot). Add cayenne, broth, salt and pepper to pot and bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes. Add milk and cook three to five minutes. Garnish with basil and serve.